2010 Mazda MAZDA3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 686 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 22 MAZDA3 model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 18 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SeatsFeb 9, 2017
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2011 Mazda2 and 2010-2011 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles equipped with a manual seat lifter. In the affected vehicles, the seat height adjustment lifter links may break or detach from the seat frame and the seat angle may incline causing the driver to not be able to maintain an appropriate driving position.
If the driver cannot maintain an appropriate driving position, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat lifter links and install a reinforcement bracket to the lifter links, or replace the entire seat adjuster unit, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0917B.
Campaign 17V082000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgateSep 6, 2016
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Campaign 16V644000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemApr 16, 2009
MAZDA IS RECALLING 25,400 MY 2010 MAZDA3 VEHICLES. A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ENGINE HARNESS AND THE HOUSING OF STARTER MOTOR MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. DUE TO THIS, THE COVERING OF THE HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED THROUGH VIBRATION DURING OPERATION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT-CIRCUIT BETWEEN CERTAIN HARNESS WIRES AND THE STARTER HOUSING. A SHORT-CIRCUIT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND/OR POOR SHIFT QUALITY.
THE MAIN FUSE MAY BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL AND INABILITY OF RESTART, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL HAVE THE ENGINE HARNESS INSPECT AND ADD A PROTECTOR CLIP ON THE AFFECTED SECTION OF THE HARNESS. IF NECESSARY, THE HARNESS WILL BE REPAIRED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MAY 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 09V126000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
686 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2012
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, PURCHASED BRAND NEW. IN JANUARY 2012 THE HEATER WHEN TURNING ON MADE A LOUD CLICKING SOUND FOR APPROX. 20 TO 30 SECONDS, EACH TIME. UPON RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, LOCAL MECHANICS, I FOUND OUT THE HEATER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR IS THE PROBLEM. I WAS GOING TO REPLACE IT, BUT UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THIS HEATER ASSEMBLY IS NOT ONLY USED BY MAZDA, NISSAN, TOYOTA, CHEVY, FORD, AND LEXUS. THIS HEATER IS KNOWN TO HAVE THIS DESIGN ERROR. I THEN DECIDED TO HAVE THE MAZDA DEALER CHANGE IT FOR $130.00. THE DEALER THEN TOLD ME THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY NEEDED CHANGING FOR $250.00 PLUS LABOR. THIS ASSEMBLY WAS KNOWN FOR THIS. ALSO THE DEALER HAD UNPLUGGED THE HEATER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR BECAUSE THIS UNIT IS KNOWN TO START A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS MADE ME EXTREMELY NERVOUS. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Mar 5, 2012
HEAT IS ALWAYS HOT. THERE IS NO TEMPERATURE CONTOL ON THE HEATER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2012
ON 2 OCCASIONS I WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, FOR A RED LIGHT AND STOP SIGN, WHEN THE ENGINE REVVED ON ITS OWN AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. FELT LIKE I WAS PUSHING BRAKE PEDAL THROUGH THE FLOOR TO STOP IT BUT IT RECOVERED ON ITS OWN AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS. VERY SCARY. I AM AFRAID OF HITTING A CAR OR SOMEONE. AT THE MAZDA DEALER NOW AND HAS BEEN FOR A WEEK AS THEY TRY TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 12, 2012
I HAVE HAD MY 2010 MAZDA 3S SINCE JUNE OF 2010 WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW. I DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK EVERY DAY. I HAVE 26,000 MILES ON IT, 75% OF WHICH ARE HIGHWAY MILES. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK LAST WEEK, AND NOTICED SOMETHING WITH THE CAR FELT OFF. EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK IT GOT WORSE AND WORSE, SO I FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME, AS I SUSPECTED, THAT THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING AND NEARING THE END OF ITS LIFE. I HAVE YET TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS ON THIS CAR, AND TO GET TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH IS GONE BEFORE I EVEN REPLACE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS IS JUST FLAT OUT UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE HAD TWO PREVIOUS CARS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, AND NEVER REPLACED A CLUTCH, EVEN WHEN THEY HAD CLOSE TO 100,000 MILES ON THEM. MY MECHANIC SUGGESTED BEFORE I DO ANYTHING, TO LOOK ON FORUMS AND SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS BEEN HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH PREMATURE CLUTCH WEAR. I HAVE SPENT MY WHOLE WEEKEND ON MAZDA AND EDMUNDS FORUMS READING ABOUT COUNTLESS PEOPLE WITH MY MODEL YEAR, 2010, WHO HAVE HAD CLUTCHES GO BEFORE 35,000 MILES. THIS IS NOT A ONE-OFF CASE, AND IT IS CERTAINLY NOT A "WEAR AND TEAR" ISSUE AS THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS. THAT'S THEIR BLANKET COVER-THEIR-[XXX]STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY PUT OUT A POOR PRODUCT AND DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THE COSTS INCURRED WITH REPLACING THEM. I HAVE NO FAITH ANYMORE IN MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, OR MAZDA AS A BRAND AT THIS POINT. WITH THE SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SIMILAR ISSUES TO MINE, THE FACT THAT THEY ARE STILL UNWILLING TO ADMIT THAT THEY CHOSE AN INFERIOR SUPPLIER TO CUT COSTS FOR ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL PARTS OF THE CAR, THAT ISN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, IS JUST PISS POOR BUSINESS PRACTICE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT WRITING THIS WILL DO, IF ANYTHING, BUT I DECIDED THAT I AM DONE BEING [XXX] AROUND BY THE DEALER AND HOPEFULLY THIS IS FOLLOWED BY OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WHO SHARE THE DISTASTE FOR THEIR PRODUCT AND SERVICE AS I DO. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Suspension, Jan 29, 2012
MY NEW 2010 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF UNUSUAL HIGH/IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AS PER THE COMPANY RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR TRAILING ARMS AND LOWER SHOCK BOLTS WERE LOOSE. AT 22,000 MILES THE FRONT TIRES THAT HAD BEEN ROTATED TO THE REAR WERE ALSO WEARING UNEVEN AND AT A HIGH RATE CONSIDERING THIS WAS ONLY MORE THAN A 5,000 MILE PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAZDA ON JANURARY 17,2012 INFORMING THEM THAT I HAD CHECKED ONLINE AND THIS EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR HAS BEEN KNOWN BY MAZDA FOR OVER (5) YEARS. THE SERVICE MANAGER CONFIRMED THIS ISSUE AND MAZDA HAS DONE NOTHING TO REPAIR/RECALL THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO STATED THAT ALMOST ALL OF THE MAZDA 3 MODEL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. LOOKING THROUGH OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TIRES WEAR OUT AT OR AROUND THE 25,000 MILE RANGE THAT THERE IS A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. I.E. AN ADJUSTABLE CAMBER ROD WHICH ONE OWNER HAD DONE AND THE CAR WENT .....60,000 MILES ON A SET OF TIRES. MAZDA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM, HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING EXCEPT PRODUCE MORE VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THERE IS A DAMNED FIX FOR IT..IT ALSO IS AMAZING AND DAMNING THAT THIS ADJUSTABLE ROD IS MANUFACTURED BY...........M A Z D A....I WOULD DEMAND AN ANNOUNCEMENT AND RECALL OF THESE VEHICLES AS THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE WEARS AT AN EXTREMELY HIGH RATE AND FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT CHECK THE TIRE CONDITION OF THEIR CAR NOR TO ROTATE THE TIRES, THIS WILL LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE/BLOWOUT WHICH WILL CREATE A HIGH ACCIDENT RISK. MAZDA KNOWS THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING, MAKE IT PUBLIC,DEMAND A RECALL AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE TO THIS POTENTIAL SERIOUS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. CASE#415686 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 13, 2012
MAZDA HAS ISSUES WITH CONDENSATION IN FRONT LIGHTS AND REAL LIGHTS LEADING TO EXCESSIVE WATER BUILDING UP IN LIGHT CAVITY. THE WATER RESTRICTS LIGHT AND HAS SHORTED OUT HEADLIGHT BULB ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AS I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS ISSUE AT NIGHT AS I AM DRIVING. MAZDA AND DEALER REFUSE TO FIX SIGHTING BULLETIN FROM MAZDA THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOT TO FIX UNLESS LIGHT ENCLOSURE IS FULL OF WATER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 28, 2011
AT LESS THAN 24,000 MILES, MY CLUTCH HAS BEGUN TO SLIP TERRIBLY AND CREATES A TERRIBLE BURNING SMELL. I KNOW THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER MAZDA OWNERS WHO HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THEIR CLUTCHES BEFORE THEY'VE HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS. THIS IS A DRAIN ON CONSUMERS, AND A SAFETY ISSUE TO BOOT. *TR
Power train, Dec 21, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2010 MAZDA 3 AS A DEMO ON JULY 30, 2011 WITH 4100 MILES ON IT. I NOW HAVE 8500 MILES ON IT AND THE CLUTCH HAS FAILED. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD IT WAS A NORMAL WEAR PRODUCE AND IT HAD BEEN ABUSED SO I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT HAD A HIGH RELEASE IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL BUT I FIGURED IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE CAR. SINCE EARLY NOVEMBER, THE "INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER" HAS BEEN EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO THE POINT THAT I CANNOT MAINTAIN SPEED UP A SLIGHT INCLINE WITHOUT THE ENGINE REVVING UP. I WAS TOLD WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS WAS DUE TO A CLUTCH FAILURE. I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS ACCEPTABLE FOR A CLUTCH TO GO OUT AFTER JUST 8500 MILES OF DRIVING. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WENT OVER 100,000 MILES OF MY SAME DRIVING AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ANY CLUTCH ISSUES. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH MAZDA, MAZDA PARTS, AND MAZDA'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ON THIS ISSUE. *TR
Seats, Dec 20, 2011
POWER DRIVER SEAT ROCKS FORWARD AND BACKWARD DURING ACCELERATION AND SUDDEN BRAKING. APPROX. 1/2" PLAY. THE MOVEMENT IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND DISCONCERTING. I FEAR THAT I MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER INSISTS CONDITION IS NORMAL. *TR
Tires, Wheels, Dec 10, 2011
THE VALVE STEM OF MY TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) HAD SIGNIFICANT CORROSION LEADING TO IMMEDIATE AND RAPID DEFLATION OF FRONT LEFT TIRE WHILE REMOVING AIR HOSE WHILE TENDING TO TPMS WARNING LIGHT. THE RAPID DEFLATION WAS DUE TO COMPLETE AND IMMEDIATE SEVERANCE WHERE THE THREADED PORTION OF VALVE STEM MET VALVE CAP WITHOUT ANY TORQUE OR ABNORMAL PRESSURE APPLIED. THE SEVERED EDGE OF THE VALVE STEM SHOWS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF CORROSION 360 DEGREES AND INWARD, WITH A THIN HALO (APPX. 1/10 OF THE WALL) REMAINING. BOTH THE TIRE AND VALVE STEM SHOWED NO SIGN OF LEAKING AND HELD PROPER PRESSURE WHILE FILLING TO RECOMMENDED PRESSURE UNTIL REMOVAL OF AIR HOSE CAUSED THE STEM TO SPLIT HORIZONTALLY BETWEEN THE 9TH AND 10TH THREAD. PLASTIC VALVE CAPS WERE IN PLACE ON ALL 4 TIRES. SPARE TIRE ALSO NOT ABLE TO BE PUT IN PLACE DUE TO 'STUCK' LUG NUTS ON SAME TIRE; SIMILAR CORROSION IS SUSPECT, POSSIBLY CAUSED BY GALVANIC CORROSION DUE TO METALS FOUND IN DISK BRAKES, SHOES OR ALLOY RIM. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND NEEDED TOW TO NEAREST MAZDA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. WHEN CALLING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT SENDING MY VEHICLE OVER I ADDRESSED MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE OTHER 3 VALVE STEMS NEEDING REPLACEMENT AND WAS TOLD "THEY ARE $150 EACH SO IF YOU WANT TO PAY TO HAVE THE OTHER ONES REPLACED YOU CAN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP ISN'T GOING TO PAY FOR IT" MY RESPONSE: "REALLY? I'M THANKFUL THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HOPE THE SAFETY OF YOUR CUSTOMERS WOULD COME FIRST" ..NO IM SORRY, NO WE'LL LOOK INTO IT FOR YOU, JUST "WELL CAN I GIVE YOU THE NUMBER FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE?" *TR
Tires, Wheels, Nov 12, 2011
THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME OUT ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY NEW MAZDA 3 IN JULY 2010. I FILLED THE TIRE WITH AIR BUT LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON SEVERAL WEEKS LATER. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER IN OCTOBER 2010 AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER IN OCTOBER 2011 AND NOW THEY FIND A BENT WHEEL RIM. REPLACED THE RIM AT MY COST -- OVER 350.00. 4 WEEKS LATER, WARNING LIGHT COMES BACK ON. I CHECKED THE AIR ON ALL TIRES AND THEY ARE FINE. MY MAZDA HAS ONLY 6,000 MILES ON IT. MAZDA CANNOT SEEM TO FIX THE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM AND THEY BLAME IT ON CHANGE IN WEATHER TEMPERATURE! COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN. I REFUSE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE WHEN THIS IS CLEARLY A MAZDA PROBLEM AND THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. I'VE OWNED MAZDA CARS SINCE 1993; THIS IS MY 6TH MAZDA AND I AM VERY UPSET. *TR
Seats, Oct 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE SEAT WHEN HE WOULD SIT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WELD WAS FRACTURED ON THE SEAT PAN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Tires, Oct 21, 2011
WHILE SERVICING A 2010 MAZDA3 WE CHECKED THE CUSTOMER'S TIRE PRESSURE AS REQUIRED BY LAW. THE VALVE STEM SNAPPED OFF WHEN AN AIR LINE WAS ATTACHED TO INFLATE THE TIRE. *TR
Seats, Oct 19, 2011
THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT SUPPORT BRACKET HAS BROKEN AT THE WELD AND IT RESULTS IN THE FRONT SEAT NOT BEING STABLE. IT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WITH ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE ENTIRE SEAT IS NOT STABLE. *TR
Equipment, Sep 20, 2011
WHEN JACKING THE VEHICLE UP TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE MAIN ROD THAT SUPPORTS THE JACK BENT CAUSING THE JACK TO JUMP OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FELL ON THE GROUND. *TR
Power train, Jul 15, 2011
CLUTCH FAILED AT 19.5K MILES. IVE ONLY HAD HER SINCE NOVEMBER, AND WITH THE WAY I DRIVE THERES NO WAY IN HELL THE CLUTCH SHOULD GO OUT THIS SOON... NOW AS TO EXPLAIN AS TO WHAT HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED REVING A BIT ODDLY WHEN I BARELY PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT WENT FROM THE NORMAL 2900 RPM IN 6TH GEAR AT ABOUT 65 MPH AND SHOT UP TO 3500 WAY TO QUICKLY THEN DROPPED BACK TO 2900 AND SLOWLY ROSE HOW IT SHOULDVE TO GET ME TO 70MPH...IT CONTINUED DOING THIS WHEN I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, GROWING STEADILY WORSE UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO GET INTO ANY GEAR AT ALL. THERE WAS NEVER A SMELL OF CLUTCH INSIDE THE CAR THE ENTIRE TIME, NO ODD NOISES, NO GRINDING, AND THE CLUTCH WAS ABOUT HALF AS STIFF AS IT NORMALLY WAS. SO I CALLED DEALER, THEY TOWED MY CAR(COURSE IT TOOK FOREVER BECAUSE THEY SENT THE TRUCK TO THE WRONG LOCATION HAHA). IT TOOK 2 DAYS BEFORE THEY EVEN GOT TO GLANCE AT THE CAR TO SEE WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE(NOT TAKE APART MIND U, JUST LOOKED), AND SAID THE CLUTCH WAS "SMOKED" NO OTHER SPECIFICS BUT WANTED ME TO AUTHORIZE THEM FOR 525 WORTH OF LABOR PLUS PARTS -_-. SO NOW IM STUCK FIGHTING THEM TO REPAIR THIS UNDER WARRANTY(I KNOW THERES USUALLY NOT A WARRANTY UNLESS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT..BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY DEFECTIVE). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Suspension, Jul 13, 2011
EXCESSIVE REAR SUSPENSION NOISE OVER ANY SURFACE IRREGULARITIES, DEALER FULLY AWARE OF RIGHT REAR SWAY BAR LINK AS SOURCE OF NOISE, REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Wheels, Jun 17, 2011
THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FAILURE TO DATE, HOWEVER, ADDING MY VEHICLE TO THE OTHER MAZDA3'S IN THE DATA BASE WHERE THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE IS CREATING UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. AS I HAVE READ IN NO LESS THAN 5 BLOGS, THE MANUFACTURER INTENTIONALLY CAMBERS THE REAR TIRES TO INCREASE THE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING AND UPON NORMAL ROTATION OF THE TIRES, A "BUMPING" NOISE CAN BE HEARD AND FELT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WILL DO NOTHING AND STATES IS A DESIGN ISSUE AND MAZDA STATES I MUST DEAL WITH THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. THIS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR AND VIBRATION COULD LEAD TO ADDITIONAL TIRE WEAR AS NOTED BY OTHER OWNERS. AT 11,000 MILES, I SHOULD NOT BE FACED WITH REPLACING THE TIRES.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 15, 2011, crash
WHILE I WAS MAKING A EXIT FROM THE FREEWAY ONTO A LOCAL ROAD, I LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE SLOWLY BRAKING. AFTERWARDS MY CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH THE GUARD RAIL FOR THE HIGHWAY RAMP. THIS HAPPENED WITH MY CAR LOGGING CLOSE TO 21500 MILES. INSPECTION AT THE BODY SHOP DETERMINED THAT ISSUES BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND STEERING WHEEL LED TO THE STEERING WHEEL STOPPING. FIXING THIS PROBLEM INVOLVES REPLACING BRAKE AND POSSIBLY STEERING COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO THE BODY SHOP. *TR
Tires, Jun 9, 2011
TIRE PRESSURE AND REGULATING SYSTEMS - I OWN A 2010 MAZDA 3 AUTOMATIC (14,542 MILES) --ALSO PURCHASED JUST OVER A YR AGO. I HAVE NOW HAD "THREE" VALVE STEMS THAT HAVE BROKEN; WITH SLOW LEAKS AND FLAT TIRES. THE LAST ONE LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR 2 HRS UNTIL HELP ARRIVED. THIS ALSO HAPPENED 2 DAYS AFTER I HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE FOR ANOTHER TIRE WITH A "VALVE" STEM REPLACEMENT--COSTING ME $198.00. ALSO TOLD THERE IS NO RECALL AND IT APPEARS MAZDA HAVING PROBLEMS NOW WITH THIS FOR A FEW YEARS. ALSO THOUGHT IT FUNNY THAT WHEN DEALERSHIP COMPLETING MY PAPERS THEY COMMENTED THAT THEY JUST COMPLETED EXACT SAME PAPERS FOR CAR BEFORE MINE !!!! I AM A CAUTIOUS DRIVER AND I KNOW MY WHEEL/TIRES WHERE NOT DAMAGED AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE VALVE STEM. I NOW HAVE 3 NEW VALVES STEMS THRU MY COST ---JUST WAITING FOR LAST ONE TO GO AND THEN WILL SEE HOW LONG THE "NEWER" ONES LAST. HAVE A FEELING THIS WILL BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM. AT LEAST DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE ONE TODAY AS A GOOD WILL FREE OF CHARGE. *TR
Suspension, Jun 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA, MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A HUMMING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANICS AND THEY BOTH RECOMMENDED THAT THE TIRES NOT BE ROTATED BECAUSE OF POOR TREAD. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BOTH REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUSPENSION WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO PREMATURELY WEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 6, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE, IT WOULD LUNGE FORWARD AND THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO PUSH THE SHUT OFF BUTTON TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.
Tires, Apr 4, 2011
I OWN A 2010 MAZDA SPEED 3. PURCHASED JUST OVER A YEAR AGO. I HAVE A VALVE STEM THAT HAS BROKEN, WHICH RELEASED PRESSURE. THE VALVE STEMS USED ON THE VEHICLE ARE INCORPORATED INTO TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TMPS), AND THE DEALER REQUIRES THAT BOTH ITEMS BE REPLACED FOR $125. AFTERMARKET COMPANIES, SUCH AS DORMAN OFFER REPLACEMENTS THAT ARE MODULAR, AND ALLOW THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE JUST THE STEM, IF BROKEN. THE FACTORY, CONVENIENTLY DOES NOT OFFER THEM COMPONENT INDIVIDUALLY. BY THE LOOKS OF ONLINE FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. I HAVE OWNED VEHICLES FOR 30 YEARS NOW, AND I HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED A BROKEN VALVE STEM LIKE THIS. THERE IS NO TRAUMA TO THE WHEEL ITSELF THAT WOULD EXPLAIN A BUSTED STEM THAT DOES NOT PROTRUDE BEYOND THE RIMS OUTER EDGE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM COULD BE ELIMINATED IF MAZDA WERE TO REDESIGN THE THREADED PORTION OF THE STEM TO BE THICKER. THE ALUMINUM STEMS ARE MACHINED SO THINLY, THAT THEY FAIL, OR ARE EASILY DAMAGED WHILE PERFORMING BASIC MAINTENANCE. THE MAZDA DEALER DOES NOT FEEL THAT THE PARTS ARE FAULTY, AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS BROKEN STEM PROBLEM. I FIND THAT EXTREMELY HARD TO BELIEVE. RESOLUTION: I NEED TO GET MY SPARE TIRE OFF THE CAR, SO I WILL BE DROPPING THE WHEEL OFF AT A TIRE SHOP TO REPLACE THE UNIT WITH A STANDARD METAL STEM UNTIL I DECIDE WHAT ROUTE TO TAKE. MY RESEARCH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST PROBLEM I HAVE LIKE THIS, UNTIL I GET THE DANGEROUS FACTORY ONES OFF OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
Seats, Mar 30, 2011
I OWN A 2010 MAZDA3. A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING MY FRONT SEAT MADE A POPPING SOUND AND BEGAN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR MOMENTARILY. I TOOK IT INTO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP IN ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA (BROWNS MAZDA ON ROUTE 1) AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT. THEY DETERMINED THAT WELDING ON MY SEAT BOTTOM HAD COME UNDONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR'S WARRANTY IS FOR 3 YEARS/36 THOUSAND MILES AND AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT MY CAR HAD 45 THOUSAND MILES. MAZDA DECLINED TO FIX THE SEAT AND STATED THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF INVOLVED IN A COLLISION THE SEAT MAY DISLODGE AND CAUSE ME MORE BODILY INJURY THAN IF THE SEAT WERE PROPERLY ANCHORED. I HAVE CONTACTED MAZDA'S CUSTOMER CARE LINE AND ALSO E-MAILED THEM AND ON BOTH OCCASIONS THEY HAVE IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED MY CLAIM STATING THAT MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE REPAIRS ARE MY RESPONSIBILITY. THE DRIVERS SEAT OF A VEHICLE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SAFETY IN THE CAR AND DUE TO A MANUFACTURER ERROR MY SEAT IS NOW LOOSE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Air bags, Feb 22, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA, MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO ITS SPECIFICATIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE PASSENGER'S WEIGHT AS THEY WEIGHED 105 POUNDS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND HAD BEEN ONGOING SINCE 2010. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,400. UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ